V is for victory, view and value. That's the idea behind new venue V Cafe, housed inside Khor Fakkan's Resistance Monument, which symbolises the sacrifices made by the Sharjah city's people during the Portuguese invasion of 1507.
Sat on a mountain peak, the striking structure comprises of intersecting columns reaching into the ground and topped by the shape of a helmet. A building made of glass can be seen within, where you'll find a memorial and exhibition highlighting the resistance against the Portuguese, as well as a screening room where visitors can watch a film called Khor Fakkan 1507.
Now, there's also V Cafe.
"You cannot find these kinds of cafes in UAE," V Cafe co-owner Ahmed Almarzooqi tells The National. "It's in the mountains, it has a 360º view and it's all glass. You can see the Sun, you can see when it's foggy or rainy. People feel cosy when they sit here and there is no limit for their eyes."
Through these windows you can see the mountains, the desert flats, the city of Khor Fakkan and even the sea.
"It's a historical place," says Almarzooqi. "You can visit for a museum, views, food. It's a cosy place, it's a full package."
The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the menu spans an international selection, with everything from burgers to pizzas and pastas. Visitors will even spot some Japanese influence, and future plans include having an Emirati breakfast day.
Much has gone into choosing the coffees served, with beans from Kenya, Colombia and Brazil among what's on offer.
It's only been open since January 26, and yet the team has already played host to Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's office, who attended the opening, followed by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
"Every day, half an hour after we open, we start a waiting list," says Almarzooqi. "It's busy, and we hope it stays that way.
co-owner of V Cafe
"We have a lot of people coming from different emirates. As I talk to you I can see cars with licence plates from Oman, Abu Dhabi [and] Dubai. We also have all kinds of different nationalities coming too, not just locals.
"It's already become like a touristic venue," he says. "It's not only a coffee shop, it's in the mountains, it's a unique place."
Almarzooqi, who works for Dubai Tourism and whose career background has been in events, opened the venue along with his two partners, Mansoor Alnaqbi, a barista and former coffee shop owner, and Bu Fawzi, a well-known local influencer.
"We had the concept in our mind, but we were looking for a nice place. We wanted to give people good vibes and a good experience."
They spent two months looking for the location, before they heard the Resistance Monument was available. "We met with the museum department [Sharjah Museums Authority, which manages the monument] and they saw what we can do, then it took us nine to 10 months to put it all together."
The interiors were designed by local artist Elygraf, who Almarzooqi says also designed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai's majlis at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Next on the agenda is to create a special menu and concept for Ramadan, although Almarzooqi isn't giving any details away quite yet.
In the meantime, the trio will be focusing on their vision: "To be known for incorporating the UAE’s history into modern-day attractions in the most creative way."
See photos of the UAE's desert pop-up cafes:
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The Uncommon is one of the latest desert dining pop-ups in the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Uncommon features a stunning mirror kitchen that reflects the desert backdrop. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Uncommon coffee shop is located on Mahafiz-Al Fayah Road in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National -
A blue sky iced latte at The Uncommon in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Uncommon offers speciality coffee and baked goods. Pawan Singh / The National -
For a luxury experience, Sonara Camp offers a stunning dining experience on the dunes. Photo: Sonara Camp -
After finding success in Dubai, Sonara Camp has expanded to Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Sonara Camp -
Sonara Camp Al Wadi is a restaurant concept located on the dunes of Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Photo: Sonara Camp -
Sonara Camp has live entertainment including a fire-breathing show. Photo: Sonara Camp -
Sonara Camp Al Wadi is home to local wildlife species including Arabian oryxes, gazelles and red foxes. Photo: Sonara Camp -
Not a Space is a cool pop-up location in the Al Faya Desert of Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Guests can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Comfy bean bags at Not a Space. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Not a Space also has activities and workshops. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Not a Space in Al Faya desert is known for its sunset views. Photo: Not a Space -
One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Drinks available at One Degree Cafe's winter pop-up, along with hot dogs, burgers and more. Ruel Pableo for The National -
One Degree Cafe offers daily entertainment. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Most desert dining venues are only open during the winter. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Link by mara is another new desert restaurant to open in Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The venue has sunken booths. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The booths contain firepits for those who want to grill their own meat. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Link by mara also has an international menu, with pizzas, pastas and fusion street food. Antonie Robertson / The National
